I have walked through valve yards in Ras Al Khair, Aktau, and Basra where gate valves sat on pallets for months before installation. When we finally pressure-tested them, a surprising number leaked at the stem seal or failed to close fully. Not because the valves were defective — because nobody had checked the grease, the stem position, or the seal alignment during storage.
Before Installation: Storage Check
Visual inspection for storage damage (bonnet bolts, grease fittings, flange faces). Stem position must be fully open during storage. Grease condition: inject fresh grease and check what comes out. If the old grease is hard or contains water, flush the valve. Verify shell test and seat test certificates are with the valve.
Daily 60-Second Operational Check
Stem seal weep check (a steady stream needs packing adjustment). Handwheel/actuator position verification (confirm fully open or fully closed). Grease injection port pressure (sudden drop means empty reservoir or leak). Visual check for external damage.
Weekly Checks and Decision Tree
Grease every 10 full open-close cycles (or quarterly for infrequent operation). Verify bonnet bolt torque (I have seen 15–20% loosening within three months from thermal cycling). Perform partial stroke test for automated valves. Decision tree: minor issues (stem weep) — fix during next maintenance window. Moderate (hard operation, stem leak) — schedule repair. Critical (won’t close, body leak) — shut down immediately.
Valve inspection takes 60 seconds daily and 15 minutes weekly. The difference between a valve that works and a valve that fails is almost always in these routine checks. Contact JLD Energy if you have questions about a specific valve type or service condition.
Equipment & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should API 6A gate valves be greased?
Most common cause of stem seal leaks?
Can an oilfield valve be repaired in place?
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